Interest in residential architecture that enables its occupants to live a long, comfortable life in their own home was already increasing before COVID-19 struck. By working with an architect to implement holistic age-in-place design in their new home or remodel, homeowners can be reassured of both physical accessibility as their needs change—and of those less-obvious aspects that make for a high quality of life in our old age: natural light, bright colors for visibility, spaces that encourage socializing, and more. Many homes on the Tour feature age-in-place design. Learn more about how two architects incorporated it into their homes.
The empty nester-owners of Home 8 “Beard Avenue Urban” were ready for the next phase of their life. They opted to replace their 1950s Edina rambler with a new home that would set a modern example of timelessness. Their new home is an updated version of a center-hall Colonial, with flexible yet distinct spaces that remain connected to each other.
To enable the homeowners to stay comfortably in their home throughout their lives, the back half of the main floor was designed to convert to a future master bedroom suite. The architect was able to work with the challenging, narrow lot to achieve an attached garage—useful in our Minnesotan winters—and lots of interior, natural light. These innovative aspects of the home’s design will help the occupants maintain a high quality of life throughout their years.
Home 15 “Long Lake Modern Rustic Cabin” likewise approached an age-in-place design for the home in a holistic way. The main level of this environmentally friendly lake home features a no-step entry and wide doorways to allow for possible future wheelchair or walker access.
But designing a home for a full lifetime is not just about meeting the future physical needs—it’s also about quality of life, including encouraging social interaction. The home was designed to allow multiple generations to visit and be comfortable, with large guest rooms and a garage loft. Even the house’s materials will remind the occupants of extended family: corrugated steel and accent wood were reclaimed from the owners’ family farm and their grandparents’ ranch.
“They really did make a home for their whole family. And that’s what is most important about a lake home – gathering with family and friends,” says Kelli Wegscheid, architect of Home 15.
The Tour is on from now until October 10th! Still need a ticket to the 13th annual Homes by Architects Tour? Get yours now! Learn more at homesbyarchitects.org.
The 2020 Tour is supported by Pella Windows & Doors, White Oaks Savanna, Spacecrafting, Andersen Windows, Brooke Voss Design, DOM Interiors, Fritz Cabinetry, Frost Cabinets, Hagstrom Builder, InUnison Design, Kolbe Gallery Twin Cities, Martha Dayton Design, North Elevation, Otto Painting Design, Redpath Constable Interior Design, Redstone Architectural Homes, Showcase Renovations, Streeter Custom Builder, Synergy Products, and Welch Forsman Associates.
